Three Simple Ways to Test For Healthy Hair

There are several ways of checking for healthy hair, from smooth strands to the hair holding moisture, but the process can be tricky.  We have selected three simple tests for you to try at home without having to go to a professional for advice.

A Black woman tugging at her hair
  1. The strand test: Get a cup of water and drop a strand of hair into it. Check to see if it floats, which is an indication of healthy hair. If your hair is dry and damaged, you’ll notice that it the strand will sink in the water.
  2. How much attention do you pay to your hair when shampooing? If you notice an exaggerated increase in the amount of hair you lose during the process, your hair may be damaged and could use some professional intervention.
  3. The tug test –  The tug test measures the elasticity of your hair. While unhealthy hair is brittle and breaks under minor pressure, healthy hair is slightly stretchy. Here’s how to perform a tug test: Dampen a section of your hair. Grip about two strands between your thumb and forefinger and pull on the ends gently. If it stretches out beyond the original length and bounces back when you release it, then it’s healthy. However, if your hair breaks off when you let go, it means it’s damaged.